Agnes Water

QLD 4677 • Rest of QLD

2,729
Population (2021)
$30,108
Median Income
40.26 km²
Area
$320/wk
Median Rent
CoastalBeachsideTourist HubRuralQuiet

About Agnes Water

Agnes Water is a coastal town on Queensland's Discovery Coast, situated approximately 112 kilometres north of Bundaberg and around 500 kilometres north of Brisbane, within the Gladstone Regional Council area. With a population of 2,729 and a median age of 49, the town has a relaxed, semi-rural character shaped largely by tourism and lifestyle seekers who have relocated for the coastal environment. Median household income is below state averages, reflecting the town's mix of retirees, lifestyle residents, and tourism-sector workers, with 2021 Census data showing predominantly English, Australian, and Irish ancestry.

Agnes Water is celebrated as the northernmost surf beach in Australia, drawing surfers, holidaymakers, and campers year-round. The nearby town of 1770 — named for the year Captain James Cook first landed in Queensland — adds to the area's historical and tourist appeal, with boat tours to the Capricorn Coast and Great Barrier Reef a popular drawcard. The town has a small main street with local cafes, a surf club, and essential services, while the surrounding bushland and national parks offer camping and nature-based activities. Life here revolves around the outdoors, making it ideal for those seeking a genuine sea-change lifestyle.

Agnes Water falls under postcode 4677 and is governed by Gladstone Council (LGA). For state elections, residents vote in the Burnett electorate.

📍 Location

State
Postcode
4677
Urban Area
Gladstone - South Coast
LGA / Council
Federal Electorate
State Electorate
Type
Urban
Timezone
Brisbane (UTC+10)
Coordinates
-24.22°, 151.90°
Statistical Area
Rest of QLD
Area
40.26 km²
Elevation
27m

🚌 Transport & Commute

Bus Services

  • Greyhound/long-distance coach — Bundaberg / Brisbane 2–6 hrs depending on destination

Commute to Brisbane CBD

Distance
500 km
By Train
No direct train service; nearest station is Bundaberg, then Queensland Rail North Coast Line to Brisbane
By Car (Peak)
5.5–6 hrs
By Car (Off-Peak)
5–5.5 hrs

🛣️ A car is essential; the Bruce Highway is the main route to Bundaberg and Brisbane

Walkability Car-Dependent

A car is essential for most trips; the town centre is walkable for basic errands, but services are spread across a large area

🛒 Supermarkets Nearby

No major supermarkets listed for this suburb.

🎓 Schools

🏠 Housing 2021 Census

Median Rent (weekly)
$320
Median Mortgage (monthly)
$1,500
Avg Household Size
2.3 people
Median Age
49 years
Social Housing (% of dwellings)
0.4%

4 state housing + 0 community housing dwellings (ABS 2021 Census)

🎓 Educational Institution Attending 2021 Census

School Sector Breakdown

👥 Demographics

Census 2016
2,210
Census 2021
2,729
23.5% growth

Population Growth

Gender Distribution (Census 2021)

Income 2016
$25,636
Income 2021
$30,108
17.4% increase

Income Comparison

📊 Population: ABS Census 2021
💰 Income: ABS Census 2021

🌍 Country of Birth 2021 Census

Born in Australia 1,905
Born Overseas 413

Top Countries of Birth (excl. Australia)

  • 1. New Zealand 110
  • 2. England 101
  • 3. South Africa 29
  • 4. United States 16
  • 5. Scotland 14
  • 6. Germany 13
  • 7. Thailand 11
  • 8. Netherlands 9
  • 9. Canada 8
  • 10. Ireland 6

🧬 Ancestry 2021 Census

Top ancestries reported (people may report up to two)

English 1,087
Australian 1,009
Irish 271
Scottish 269
German 190
Australian Aboriginal 63
Italian 62
Dutch 39
New Zealander 38
Russian 23

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents' Birthplace 2021 Census

1,522
Both parents born in Australia
490
Both parents born overseas
309
One parent AU, one overseas

🛐 Religion 2021 Census

No Religion
43.3%
Christianity
37.8%
Buddhism
0.9%
Judaism
0.1%
Islam
0.1%
Hinduism
0.1%

📊 Age Distribution 2021 Census

0-4 years
110 (4.0%)
5-14 years
316 (11.6%)
15-19 years
117 (4.3%)
20-24 years
60 (2.2%)
25-34 years
194 (7.1%)
35-44 years
342 (12.5%)
45-54 years
456 (16.7%)
55-64 years
537 (19.7%)
65-74 years
445 (16.3%)
75-84 years
113 (4.1%)
85+ years
20 (0.7%)

Nearby Suburbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Agnes Water known for? +

Agnes Water is best known as the northernmost surf beach in Australia, attracting surfers and beach lovers from across the country. It is also the gateway to the Town of 1770, named for Captain James Cook's first landing in Queensland, with boat tours departing to the Capricorn Coast and Great Barrier Reef.

How far is Agnes Water from Bundaberg? +

Agnes Water is approximately 112 kilometres north of Bundaberg, a drive of around 1.5 hours along the Bruce Highway and local roads.

Does Agnes Water have public transport? +

Agnes Water has very limited public transport. There is no train service; the nearest station is Bundaberg. Long-distance coaches (Greyhound) connect the area to Bundaberg and Brisbane, but a car is essential for everyday life.

What is the population of Agnes Water? +

According to the 2021 Census, Agnes Water has a population of 2,729 residents. The median age is 49, reflecting a significant proportion of retirees and lifestyle migrants who have moved to the area for its coastal character.

Is Agnes Water a good place to live? +

Agnes Water offers a relaxed, nature-focused lifestyle with surf beaches, bushland, and national parks on its doorstep, making it ideal for those seeking a sea-change. Services are limited compared to larger regional centres, so it suits those who prioritise lifestyle over urban convenience.

What is the postcode for Agnes Water? +

The postcode for Agnes Water, Queensland is 4677.